mastering-preplisted

# Mastering Prep Pre-master audit. Confirm the mix is in a clean state for either external mastering or self-mastering. Does NOT apply final mastering — that's a separate workflow with explicit user intent. ## Workflow ### 1. Read the master bus - `get_track_info` for master - `get_device_parameters` for any plugins on master - Check current peak level, RMS, LUFS if available ### 2. Run the audit checklist For each item, mark ✅ pass or ❌ fail with the specific reading: | Check | Target | What to look for | | --- | --- | --- | | **Peak level** | -3 to -6 dB | Master should have headroom — never above -1 dB | | **No master limiter active for export-to-mastering** | Off | Mastering engineer wants raw mix; remove limiter from master | | **No master compressor over 2 dB GR** | <2 dB | Heavy mastering compression on a pre-master is destructive | | **LUFS integrated** | -16 to -20 LUFS for pre-master | Too loud = no headroom for mastering | | **Mono compatibility** | All elements audible in mono | Toggle Utility's mono switch — verify nothing disappears | | **Phase coherence** | Above 0.0 (positive) | Use Spectrum or Stereo & Phase — dips below 0 = destructive cancellation | | **Frequency balance** | No spikes >6 dB above neighbors | Bass vs mids vs highs evenly spread | | **Sub-bass below 40 Hz** | Cut or controlled | Anything below 30 Hz wastes headroom and clouds masters | | **Above 18 kHz** | Cut if no musical content | Tames hiss/artifacts; saves headroom | | **DC offset